Consider entering your grandparents’ home, where every room had a story to tell and every corner possessed a relic. Of these, the oil lamp shelves placed on the walls to this day will make you feel the warmth that you used to experience while reading under them. These shelves, which were an important part of the early twentieth-century houses, were not just practical – they were a symbol of a time when the light of an oil lamp would unite family members in the evening.
Usually wooden or metallic, oil lamp shelves were commonly located in various parts of the house to ensure the light’s effectiveness. These shelves were frequently located on walls in the living room, bedrooms, and hallways. They were not randomly placed; they were strategically positioned to ensure that there was enough light for activities done in the evening such as reading, sewing or even family meetings.
The form of these shelves or niches was quite diverse, ranging from flat ledges to more complex constructions complete with guardrails to avoid lamp tip overs. In wealthier homes, these shelves may have been elaborately decorated or even incorporated into the design of the room, complete with carved-out niches and fancy trim that matched the rest of the house.
This was because oil lamps presented a fire risk due to the exposed flame. Shelves for oil lamps were therefore intended to keep the lamps stowed away from the everyday activities in the house while at the same time letting in the light. These were usually located in positions that were not easily accessible to children and not close to curtains or any other combustible material. This tactical positioning ensured that risks of fire breakouts were reduced to the barest minimum while issuing adequate light.
The existence of oil lamp shelves in old houses gives us an insight into the lifestyles and the technological advancements that were available at the time. Lighting was an important part of people’s lives before the use of gas and electric lights and this meant that the management of lighting was an important part of the daily routine and architecture. These shelves were an important part of the interior design and showed how people of that time managed to optimize the use of living spaces.
Today, oil lamp shelves in historic homes are kept for both their functionality and their historical and cultural value. In the modern homes where such shelves have been installed, they are used for storing candles, plant among other items to enhance the beauty of the house. This is because preservation measures always aim at preserving the original construction features and the material used in the construction in this case the design of the period.
Therefore, the shelves for oil lamps in old houses are not only practical furniture pieces, but they are also a symbol of the creativity of the previous generations and a link to the tangible world of the past. Such details give us ideas about the changes that were made by our ancestors and make us reflect on how these architectural landmarks should be preserved.
Turia Pitt and Michael Hoskin: A Love Story of Resilience and Inspiration
Turia Pitt and Michael Hoskin’s story is a powerful testament to the boundless strength of love and resilience. Six years ago, Turia, a former model, endured a life-changing event when she was caught in a devastating fire while competing in an ultramarathon in Australia. She suffered severe burns that affected 64% of her body, leaving her with only a slim chance of survival, according to doctors.
Amid this unimaginable tragedy, Michael, Turia’s boyfriend at the time, made an extraordinary decision. He left his job as a police officer to become her caregiver and unwavering pillar of support. Over the course of her recovery, Turia underwent 200 operations, lost seven fingers, and faced the daunting challenge of rebuilding her life during a two-year rehabilitation. In 2020, she courageously shared her story, recounting the harrowing moments when a 100km race in remote Western Australia turned into a fight for survival against flames.
During this arduous journey, Michael’s love and commitment never wavered. At a pivotal moment in Turia’s recovery, he gifted her a diamond ring he had purchased years earlier. In the idyllic setting of the Maldives, he proposed, symbolizing their enduring love and hope for the future.
Turia’s recovery required her to wear a mask for two years, a difficult yet necessary step in her healing process. Through it all, Michael provided constant reassurance, reminding her daily of her beauty and strength. In 2016, after seven years of challenges and triumphs that included countless hours in hospitals, the couple exchanged vows in a deeply emotional ceremony, solidifying their bond and gratitude for one another.
Reflecting on their love, Turia shared, “I never wanted to sleep next to my partner. Now I think how lucky I am to be able to sleep next to this beauty. He’s a nice guy, and I’m very happy to meet him. Every day I wake up next to Michael is a wonderful day.”
As they navigated the complexities of rebuilding their lives, Turia and Michael felt a shared longing to expand their family.
In 2017, Turia announced her pregnancy on Instagram, a moment of joy that captured the hearts of many. Despite being unable to run marathons during her pregnancy, she remained active and resilient. On December 7, 2017, the couple welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Hakawai, marking the start of a new chapter.
Their love story continued to grow with the birth of their second son, Rahiti Hoskin, on February 9, 2020.
Today, Turia and Michael are happily married, raising their children and cherishing the love that has guided them through life’s trials and triumphs.
Their journey is a remarkable reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of love. By sharing their story, we celebrate hope, resilience, and the belief that no obstacle is insurmountable when love is at the heart of it all.
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